Member News – 05 August 2026

05 August 2026

In this issue:

• Autumn Budget confirmed as Prime Minister advances fiscal devolution reforms.
• New regulations coming into operation to increase the category B weight limit for ZEGVs in NI.
• Gatwick Airport second runway can be brought into full use.
• DfT publishes research on the EU Entry/Exit System and 90/180-day rule.
• Government webinar on smart data call for evidence.

This issue also includes our new ‘Month in the media’ piece featuring highlights from the past month.

Policy updates

Autumn Budget confirmed as Prime Minister advances fiscal devolution reforms

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has confirmed that the Autumn Budget will take place on Wednesday 28 October 2026 and has commissioned the Office for Budget Responsibility to prepare an economic and fiscal forecast to be published alongside it. The Treasury has also launched its Autumn Budget representation portal which can be accessed here. The portal will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 9 September.

Logistics UK is currently preparing a submission on behalf of members, which will be shared ahead of a member Teams discussion on Thursday 3 September, 10:30-11:30. Members wishing to see the draft representation and join the call should email Public Affairs.

New regulations coming into operation to increase the category B weight limit for ZEGVs in NI

Following the consultation on changes to regulations to support the uptake of zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs), to which Logistics UK responded, it is welcome news that the Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure has agreed to increase the category B ZEGV weight limit from 3.5t to 4.25t in NI.

The new regulations came into force on 1 August 2026. The key changes are that category B licence holders, who have held their category B licence for an aggregate period of not less than two years will be allowed to:

• Drive ZEVs up to a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 4.25t (up to MAM of 5.0t if the ZEV has had specialist equipment fitted for the carriage of disabled passengers).
• Tow a trailer with a MAM not exceeding 750kg provided the ZEV plus trailer combination does not exceed 5t.
• Drive a ZEV and trailer combination provided the MAM of the trailer does not exceed 5t and the vehicle and trailer combination does not exceed a MAM of 7t, and provided that the driver has passed the prescribed test in respect of Category B+E.

Logistics UK has updated its briefing note on this subject. To view, click here. If you have any questions, please contact the Member Advice Centre.

4.25t van MOT update

Legislative changes introduced on 1 June 2026 brought welcome simplification to the MOT requirements for 4.25t zero-emission vans, however there is a temporary issue affecting DVSA’s MOT History Service and MOT Reminder Service.

DVSA is aware of the issue and working towards fixing it, however in the meantime, operators can use the vehicle’s date of first registration to determine when its first Class 7 MOT is due. The DVSA has advised that, where an expired MOT banner is displayed, this may relate to the previous HGV testing regime rather than the vehicle’s current legal testing requirement.

Gatwick Airport second runway can be brought into full use

After the Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge against the expansion project, Gatwick Airport’s second runway can now be bought into full use. The first flights to take off from the extended Northern Runway, are expected to take from 2030, meaning an extra 10,000 flights a year.

DfT publishes research on the EU Entry/Exit System and 90/180-day rule

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published new research examining how the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and the Schengen 90-days-in-180 rule could affect GB’s road transport operators.

EES digitally records the entry and exit of non-EU nationals, including UK nationals, travelling to the Schengen area. This makes the 90/180-day limit easier to monitor and enforce. Both work and leisure travel count towards an individual’s total.

The research received 365 usable responses from goods operators. Of these, 138 reported running services to the EU or wider Schengen area. Those operators reported that, on average, 85% of their drivers were UK nationals. Among respondents providing an answer, 70% said they monitored drivers’ workdays in the Schengen area, but only 38% reported monitoring both work and leisure days. Operators expected the impact of EES to become more significant. Among goods operators, 46% reported a negative impact to date, compared with 59% expecting a negative future impact.

Logistics UK continues to call for professional drivers to be exempt from the 90/180-day limit. Operators should ensure that both work and personal travel are taken into account when checking drivers’ compliance.

DfT expects to launch a follow-up survey in the week commencing 7 September 2026. Logistics UK will share further information when it opens.

Read the DfT research on EES and commercial road transport here.

Government webinar on smart data call for evidence

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (DBIST) will be hosting a short webinar giving an overview of their recently published Smart Data Call for Evidence. The webinar will cover the core themes of the call for evidence, why it matters, and how to respond. The webinar will be particularly helpful for those who are new to smart data. The session is designed to set the scene, cover what smart data is, why government is exploring it and the evidence sought.

• Thursday 6 August at 14:00.
• Friday 14 August at 15:30.

To register for the webinar, please email the DBIST team with your preferred date.

Quick briefs

Transaid raises £24,000 for charity’s work

16 teams from across the logistics sector took part in the fourth annual seven-a-side football Transaid Cup, played in sweltering temperatures at Ilkeston Town FC. The event, which raised more than £24,000 to support the charity’s work, was won by the team from Scania, which took the title over Iron Mountain, while Backhouse Jones took the Fair Play award which celebrates teamwork, sportsmanship and diversity.

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has operated the first commercial service of the Class 99 hybrid freight locomotive

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has operated the first commercial service of the Class 99 hybrid freight locomotive for Maritime Transport, which departed from DP World London Gateway carrying intermodal freight. The new Class 99 locomotives are set to reduce emissions by more than half on a typical journey. Combining electric operation with the ability to run on non-electrified routes using renewable fuels, the new locomotives are designed to cut carbon emissions without compromising access to the national rail network.

Reminder that Logistics UK is launching its new website soon

Logistics UK will soon be launching a new website. Designed to provide an enhanced online experience, the new website features improved navigation and functionality, making it easier to find the information, services and resources needed.

As part of the launch, members will receive an email with an invitation to activate their accounts and reset passwords. No action is required at this stage; we will send further details directly to you shortly. We look forward to sharing our new website with you very soon.

Habib Turki has confirmed as IRU’s new Secretary General

Following his election by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) General Assembly in May, Habib Turki has formally assumed office as Secretary General. In the role, Turki will focus on ensuring road transport remains a driving force for sustainable trade, prosperity and international cooperation, engaging with members and government.

National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) has published its fortnightly freight crime intelligence bulleting which can be viewed here.

Support and advice

International work
Q. We are sending a driver to France for the first time, what must I do before posting a driver in another member state?

A. Before posting a driver in another member state you must first create an account through the Internal Market Information System (IMI). You must then submit a posting declaration through the IMI system to the authorities of the member state in which your driver will be posted. At the very latest this should be at the start of the posting.

Lost driving licence – ROI
Q. Our driver has a Republic of Ireland driving licence but has lost it, can they apply for a replacement online?

A. The driver can apply for a replacement licence online, however, they would need the following:

• A Public Services Card and verified MyGovID.
• A completed Garda Declaration form.
• Proof of their address, dated within the last six months.
• A fully completed medical report form dated within one month, if there has been a change in their medical details since their last driving licence application.
• The application fee of €35, which can be paid by credit card or debit card.

Legislation update

An overview of the key consultations, legislative developments and government announcements that were published in July 2026 can be found here.

Average EU and UK forecourt prices

Please find the average EU and UK forecourt prices here.

Have your say

Logistics UK works to ensure the voice of the logistics industry is heard by government and decision-makers. By taking part in our surveys, members provide the evidence and insight that help shape policy discussions, consultation responses and industry campaigns.

Logistics Performance Tracker Q2

Logistics UK’s quarterly Logistics Performance Tracker Q2 2026 survey closes this week.

This is a short, confidential survey designed to gather insights into the real-world performance, challenges and opportunities across the UK logistics sector.

Along with our baseline indicators on economic outlook and supply chain performance, this quarter, questions focus on the regulation of electric vehicles and how it is impacting industry.

Responses are used to inform Logistics UK’s policy work and support engagement with government and senior stakeholders.

Share your views here

Month in the media – July 2026

July proved another busy month for the Logistics UK press office, with several high-profile news stories dominating the agenda, including the appointment of a new Prime Minister and ministerial team. Throughout the month, the team provided expert commentary on a wide range of issues, ensuring members’ views were represented and heard by policymakers, opinion formers and the media.

Coverage was generated in The Times, The i Paper, Politico, BBC1 South East and HGV1 Radio on issues including the EU Entry/Exit System, the appointment of Jonathan Reynolds as Business Secretary, the completion of M25 junction 10 upgrade works and driver facilities. 189 items of editorial coverage were placed by the team, including six in the national press and two broadcasts, creating the opportunity for 640 million people to learn Logistics UK’s point of view on the topics under debate during the month.

The month ahead

During August, the media team will continue to raise awareness of members’ opinions on topics affecting the sector, including decarbonisation, supply chain disruption, and trade and border challenges. The team will also continue to highlight the industry’s skill shortages, promoting the Generation Logistics campaign at every opportunity and highlighting the need for improved driver facilities, revealing the results of Britain’s Best Truckstop as well as publicising the THRIVE wellbeing hub. The team will continue to promote Logistics UK’s 2026 events programme, including the autumn Transport Manager series and the Logistics Awards in December.

Do you have a story to share? If you are keen to speak to the media – whether it’s about a key industry issue such as skills shortages, fuel costs or decarbonisation, or a success story from your organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Journalists are especially interested in personal stories, staff achievements, unique hobbies or expertise, and women working in the sector, particularly female drivers. Contact the media team at [email protected] – we look forward to hearing from you!